The township of Las Lajas is part of the Province of El Oro in southeastern Ecuador. It is a mountainous region situated 1300 to 2600 feet above the sea level and has a subtropical climate with vegetation typical of a dry tropical forest. The temperature fluctuates between 72 and 82 degrees, which provides favorable conditions for breeding Tilapia. With a poverty rate hovering around 70%, Las Lajas hopes to develop Tilapia breeding into an export industry.

A small group of micro-enterprisers began breeding Tilapia with the support and assistance of two local foundations, SEMCAM and AMAUTA. The project participants currently have 12 fish pools, with an average size of 164 sq feet. The initial success of this project has allowed the group to reinvest profits to increase production. Furthermore, it is calculated that harvesting 5,000 Tilapia over a six month period at a cost of US$0.58 cents per pound would leave a monthly net profit of approximately US$180 to each producer. The average weight of the Tilapia harvested to date has been around 500 grams.

To improve the socio-economical conditions of the poorest community in Las Lajas.

• Market Tilapia to local area to improve nutrition among the resident.
• Export production surplus to markets in US and Europe
• Increase number of Tilapia producers to 200
• Develop area for tourist interests
• Research/develop other non-traditional industries for export